A viral video has brought to light alleged extortion of devotees at the Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, which is administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. In the footage, a temple worker can be seen demanding ₹400 for two devotees to gain entry, raising serious concerns about misconduct at one of Tamil Nadu’s most frequented temples.
The video captures a tense exchange between a female temple worker and devotees. She is heard repeatedly insisting on the ₹400 payment and dismissing their protests, even challenging them to report the matter to the Collector’s office. The worker boasts of her 20 years of experience in the temple and asserts that she answers only to the superintendent and higher authorities, speaking in a commanding tone.
Currently, the temple has only ₹100 tickets available for devotees, the maximum prescribed amount. The north gate of the temple, as per a ruling in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, is restricted exclusively to pregnant women, women with infants, and the elderly. Despite these rules, the video and accompanying reports suggest that certain individuals are being allowed entry for free or via purchased tickets, allegedly facilitated by temple staff and intermediaries.
According to eyewitnesses, more than five individuals claiming authorization from temple authorities were permitted free entry into the ₹100 queue. Some visitors have reportedly been asked to pay ₹500–₹1,000 per person under the name of “Padi Darshan.” A person identified as Graki is alleged to be coordinating these special entries and compensating temple workers in return.
Devotees have expressed outrage over the apparent violation of temple protocols, the extortion of funds, and the preferential treatment, which has caused significant distress.
The HR&CE Department has yet to respond to these allegations.
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Dr. Jinto John, Vice President of the District Congress Committee (DCC) Ernakulam, participated in an event titled The Flood of Resistance (പ്രതിരോധത്തിൻ്റെ പ്രളയം) organized by the Students Islamic Organization (SIO) Kerala chapter. The gathering, held in Fort Kochi on 7 October 2025 Tuesday, was part of a programme commemorating two years of Toofanul Aqsa and focused on Palestinian solidarity.
The program, attended by local activists and supporters, featured speeches highlighting ongoing struggles in Palestine. Dr. Jinto John, a Congress member, openly has indulged in such activities especially with an organisation that has earlier mourned the deaths of terrorists while celebrating the 2023 bloody 7 October killings of Israelis by Hamas.
In October 2024, a “Mayyath Niskaram” (funeral prayer) for Yahya Sinwar, the slain leader of Hamas, was organized in Kerala, raising eyebrows and igniting discussions about the complex socio-political landscape of the region. Sinwar was killed four days ago by Israeli forces, following his role as the architect behind the October 7th attack that claimed the lives of 1,200 innocent civilians in Israel. The prayer was organized by the Student’s Islamic Organization (SIO), a youth wing of Jamat-e-Islami, a group known for its Islamic activism. Photos of the event were widely circulated on social media, featuring Samad Kunnakav, assistant secretary of Jamat-e-Islami Kerala, leading the prayer.
The SIO’s Facebook page for Ernakulam publicized the event, depicting Sinwar as a “valiant warrior” and showcasing images of the gathering, which drew participation from local youths and students.
On October 7th, SIO, Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, celebrated the horrific anniversary of attack on israel, openly endorsing terrorism. And now they’ve organized funeral prayers for Hamas terrorist Yahya Sinwar. #Kerala has become a breeding ground for terror sympathizers… pic.twitter.com/ZGPiUtyvv5
In August 2024, in Kozhikode, the Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) displayed banners and standees in remembrance of Hamas terrorist leader Ismail Haniyeh a few weeks after his death. The organization used social media platforms to call on Muslim youth in Kerala to unite in support of Hamas and the Palestinian cause.
It is shocking that a Congress member attends and endorses events conducted by an organisation that openly supports mass murder and celebrates terror and mourns terrorists’ deaths.
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In a recent interview broadcast on The Wire, editor of “Force Magazine” Pravin Sawhney and journalist Karan Thapar offered commentary on India’s Operation Sindoor that has raised eyebrows for its strikingly pro-Pakistan tilt. During the discussion, Sawhney openly questioned the claims of the Indian Air Force, repeatedly casting doubt on the reported destruction of Pakistani aircraft while giving credence to Pakistani assertions of Indian losses.
The interview, aired on 6 October 2025, focused on statements made by Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari regarding India’s alleged downing of 12–13 Pakistani aircraft, including fighter jets such as F-16s and JF17s, a C130, and possibly airborne early warning aircraft. Sawhney told Thapar that these claims were “very hard to accept,” citing a Russian expert’s assessment that India’s S400 system cannot conclusively confirm kills of fast-moving fighters. He emphasized that only the downing of a slow-moving airborne early warning aircraft at 300 km could be verified.
Sawhney repeatedly stressed that the Air Force Chief’s claims were based on system intelligence rather than conclusive proof, implying that India’s reported strikes on Pakistani aircraft might be exaggerated. He also criticized the Chief for refusing to comment on Indian losses, describing this as “not befitting an Air Force Chief” and claiming it undermines India’s credibility internationally.
Shockingly, Sawhney went further to suggest that the world remains impressed by Pakistan’s air operations during the campaign. He cited Pakistan’s multi-domain air strategy and post-Operation Sindoor military diplomacy—including the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia strategic defense agreement—as evidence of Pakistani success, implicitly legitimizing Islamabad’s narrative while casting India’s performance as underwhelming. He highlighted press statements by Pakistani Lt. Gen. Khaled Kidwai, who claimed four Rafale aircraft were downed by Pakistan, noting that India’s silence on these claims would be interpreted globally as acquiescence.
Throughout the interview, Thapar allowed Sawhney’s arguments to flow unchallenged, framing questions in ways that amplified doubts about India’s military performance rather than interrogating the methodology or credibility of Pakistani claims. Sawhney repeatedly referred to Indian losses reported by the Chief of Defence Staff and Air Marshal Bharti, dismissing them as “fanciful stories”/“Manohar Kahaniyaan,” while simultaneously elevating Pakistan’s version of events without evidence.
Pravin Sawhney, The Wire Push Narratives Favorable To Pakistan – Says Pak Journalist
In September 2025, in a shocking admission aired on Pakistan’s Samaa TV, prominent Pakistani journalist Najam Sethi explicitly named several Indian media platforms and individuals whom he credited with advancing narratives favorable to Pakistan’s interests, often at the expense of India’s sovereignty and security.
In the video, now viral online, he says “In India, there are some very powerful things coming out in Caravan magazine. Similarly, in India, there are independent sources that provide challenging analysis. One such source is The Wire; it is something you should look at. There are many independent alternative news sources like this. Among military experts, there is Scott Ritter, who is an American Pentagon and defence analyst. Similarly, in India, there is Pravin Sawhney who does a great job, and he provides very powerful analysis. So, I can name a lot, a lot of sincere people. If you want, I can definitely make a list next time.”
In an interview clipping from 13 years ago, journalist Madhu Trehan grilled Karan Thapar over allegedly having Pakistani handlers.
Thapar addressed allegations that some of his writings and commentary “push Pakistan’s agenda.” The issue arose when a politician reportedly told Trehan that Thapar, through his reporting and articles on India-Pakistan relations, often presented Islamabad’s point of view rather than India’s. The politician clarified that Thapar was not a spy, but that his articles reflected Pakistan’s perspective so consistently that it seemed he was advancing their narrative.
Thapar acknowledged that some of his articles did present a Pakistani point of view. However, he defended this practice, arguing that as an Indian journalist, it is important for the Indian public to be aware of how Pakistan views certain issues. He justified it by saying that showing Pakistan’s perspective is not the same as promoting it and that it was part of providing a full understanding of bilateral relations.
When pressed on whether this constituted pushing Pakistan’s agenda, Thapar denied being a spy and maintained that presenting Pakistan’s point of view was a ‘journalistic responsibility’. He admitted that occasionally his articles might appear to have favored Pakistan’s stance but framed it as an effort to inform Indian readers, not to serve Pakistan.
In essence, the interview left viewers with the impression that people like him were functioning as surrogate spokespersons for Pakistan rather than independent commentators on India’s defence operations.
So there you have it: Pravin Sawhney and Karan Thapar, along with The Wire, apparently moonlight as Pakistan’s spokespersons – all from Indian soil. Truth, objectivity, and journalistic duty? Clearly optional when one can peddle someone else’s talking points.
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A newly constructed health complex at the Government Higher Secondary School in Aduthurai town panchayat has sparked controversy after its design left both teachers and students shocked.
The facility, built at an estimated cost of ₹34 lakh under the school development grant, was inaugurated on Tuesday by Aduthurai Town Panchayat Chairman Stalin. However, soon after the inauguration, concerns were raised over the layout of the toilets, which were constructed in open rows without individual barriers or partitions.
Teachers and students expressed discomfort over the lack of privacy, leading to commotion within the school premises. According to DMK member Senthilkumar, the structure was built in accordance with Public Works Department (PWD) norms, which reportedly permit this design for girls’ toilets in government schools.
PWD sources allegedly maintained that even when constructed using MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds, this model follows the department’s approved standards.
பொதுப்பணித்துறை விதிகளின் படி அரசு பள்ளிகளில் மாணவிகள் பயன்பாட்டிற்கு #கழிப்பறைகள் இப்படி கட்ட மட்டும் தான் அனுமதி வழங்கப்படுகிறது
MPLADS நிதியாக இருந்தாலும் இப்படி மட்டுமே கட்ட வேண்டும் என பொதுபணித்துறை சொல்கிறது
Despite these clarifications, parents and local residents have questioned the practicality and appropriateness of such a design, urging authorities to ensure modifications that safeguard students’ privacy and dignity.
By any measure, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for New York City mayor is one of the most brazen exercises in political theater and identity exploitation in recent memory.
On 6 October 2025, as a part of his campaign, he visited Flushing, Queens, to offer prayers at the city’s two oldest temples and “reconnect with his Hindu roots” – this after being part of a mob that called Hindus bastards and denounced the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.
That too he was found wearing his shoes within the temple premises.
Zohara Mamdani, this is sinister!⁰Today, you came to my temple , the most sacred place in the world for me and for millions of Hindus.⁰You used this holy space for your political agenda.
Coming to a temple is always welcome, but people come to pray.⁰Did you pray?⁰Did you do… pic.twitter.com/KKldkNPcyV
On one hand, he poses as a proud “Hindu-rooted Indian-American”, visiting temples in Flushing, Queens, and speaking of the values of Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, and seva. On the other hand, his record tells a starkly different story—one of anti-Hindu bigotry, sectarian agitation, and ideological extremism.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist running for Mayor of New York City, is executing a cynical political strategy so transparent it would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. He is leveraging his Hindu heritage as a campaign prop while his record reveals a deep-seated contempt for the very community he now claims to cherish. This is not outreach; it is an insult, and the fact that any Indian-American would fall for this charade is a testament to a political blindness born of misguided partisanship.
The Hypocrisy, Laid Bare
Let us be brutally clear about who Zohran Mamdani is.
The Anti-Hindu Activist: In 2020, this same man did not quietly protest Indian policy; he led a hate mob in Times Square to demonize the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. In the shadow of anti-Hindu slurs like “Hindus are bastards”—chants he never disavowed—Mamdani branded one of the most significant spiritual moments for millions of Hindus a “fascist atrocity.” His allies were not progressive idealists, but Khalistani separatists, revealing the sinister company he keeps.
He protested against the BJP government in India and said, “I protest the demolition of the Babri masjid and the attempt to build a mandir on top of the ruins of it”. He called the Ram Temple reconstruction in India a “fascist atrocity” and framed Hindu nationalism as a global threat, while ignoring Islamic extremism. He allegedly declared, “As an Indian Muslim whose family is witnessing the rising tide of fascism in India, I won’t be silent.”
NYC Candidate for Mayor Zohran Mamdani led a mob of protestors in Times Square calling Hindus as bastards and heaping abuses upon Lord Rama, who is worshipped by Hindus
The Slanderer: His hatred is not reserved for abstract concepts. He has repeatedly and viciously slandered Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a democratically elected leader, as a “war criminal,” wilfully ignoring the Supreme Court of India’s clean chit and resurrecting debunked allegations. He doesn’t engage in criticism; he traffics in demonization, likening PM Modi to Benjamin Netanyahu not as political analysis, but as a deliberate provocation.
Zohran Mamdani’s view on Narendra Modi
[New York City Mayoral Democratic Nominee] pic.twitter.com/Laa5VSwxJQ
Mamdani often conflates Hindus with India’s ruling BJP, turning political dissent into religious animosity. When fellow politicians like Jennifer Rajkumar and Kevin Thomas refused to denounce PM Modi during his 2023 New York visit, Mamdani labeled them as complicit, again stoking intra-community rifts.
His hatred for Hindus mirrors his hatred for Jews, both are enemies in the Islamist worldview.
Wants Jizya & Sharia Law: Mamdani faced backlash for proposing higher property taxes on “richer, whiter neighborhoods,” a plan critics liken to race-based redistribution. Dubbed “the Fidel Castro of New York,” Mamdani also declared that “billionaires shouldn’t exist” and pushed for socialist policies like free buses, rent freezes, and city-run supermarkets. He refused to condemn the antisemitic slogan “globalize the intifada,” drawing criticism from Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
One of Mamdani’s key legislative pushes is forcing all NYC public schools to serve halal food. He framed it as “inclusion,” but this is a Trojan Horse for Islamization. Halal certification is controlled by groups with ties to extremist funding networks. It sets a precedent for religious imposition on taxpayer-funded institutions, while Christian and Jewish dietary laws are ignored.
WARNING NYC 🚨 Zohran Mamdani Isn’t Running a Campaign — He’s Leading an Islamic Political Insurgency
What we’re witnessing in New York isn’t a mayoral race. It’s civilizational jihad, and Zohran Mamdani is its smiling face.
The Selective Inheritor: Today, this anti-Hindu activist has the gall to stand before cameras and wax poetic about the “values” of Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, and Holi. He speaks of seva (service) while his political actions have been a masterclass in dvesha (hatred). He claims pride in his Hindu heritage while his record is a legacy of disdain for it. This is not a man who holds “both identities”; he weaponizes one to camouflage the other.
This brazen about-face is not political pragmatism; it is a calculated act of Taqqiya – a principle where deception is permissible for the protection of Islam. While the term is theological and its political use is debated, Mamdani’s actions fit the definition perfectly: he is using lies and half-truths about his Hindu connections to advance a political career that is fundamentally rooted in an Islamist worldview hostile to Hindu interests.
The Shame Of The Apologists
Even more disgraceful than Mamdani’s hypocrisy are the Indian-Americans, particularly those of Hindu background, who are willing to look the other way and offer him their support. What price tag have they put on their dignity? What hollow promise of “representation” has convinced them to embrace a man who considers their faith a symbol of fascism?
Are they so seduced by the prospect of an “Indian-American” name in power that they are willing to ignore the fact that this man’s vision of India is one stripped of its Hindu majority’s cultural and religious confidence? Do they not see that his solidarity lies with forces that have historically sought to subjugate Hindu civilization?
By supporting Mamdani, these individuals are not just making a political choice; they are committing an act of cultural and spiritual self-negation. They are validating a narrative that paints their own traditions as oppressive and their prime religious celebrations as “atrocities.” Them offering support to Mamdani is akin to a goat offering support to a butcher.
The likes of anti-India, anti-Hindu Sunita Vishwanath have also campaigned for Mamdani. In a video on Instagram, she wrote, “Im proud to be part of a group coming together as #HindusforZohran, especially because some of the attacks against Zohran are coming from hateful divisive forces in the Hindu community.”
Now you must be wondering who Sunita Vishwanath is.
Sunita Vishwanath is the co-founder of Hindus for Human Rights (HfHR), an organization accused of being an Islamist-linked advocacy group that regularly maligns India on global platforms. It was established in 2019 alongside the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) and the Organization for Minorities of India (OFMI)—two Islamist-linked advocacy groups. Together, these entities also formed the Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA), which organized protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Houston visit in 2019. Vishwanath is also associated with Women for Afghan Women, an NGO that has received funding from George Soros’s Open Society Foundation. She has been a vocal critic of the NRC and CAA, claiming that the policies render millions of Indians stateless and oppress Muslims.
During his 2023 visit to the US, Rahul Gandhi met Vishwanath who was seated alongside him during an event at the Hudson Institute.
2023 Rahul Gandhi US Visit
Yes, there are a few from the Hindu fold who have called out his duplicity.
In the end, Mamdani’s temple visits, Instagram-friendly speeches, and paeans to Hindu festivals are not acts of faith—they are marketing tools. His political survival depends on cultivating an image palatable to Indian-Americans while continuing to indulge in rhetoric that divides, demonizes, and misrepresents Hinduism. And yet, an alarming number of Indian-Americans are complicit in this charade, cheering for a man who has spent years actively disparaging their religion, traditions, and leaders.
If this election is a litmus test for civic awareness and moral integrity, the actions of both Mamdani and his Indian-American supporters raise serious questions about judgment, priorities, and ethical consistency. The city deserves leaders who honor the communities they claim to represent, not politicians who weaponize identity for personal gain. New Yorkers, and particularly Indian-Americans, must ask themselves: are you voting for a candidate or for a convenient illusion? Because the truth about Zohran Mamdani – his hypocrisy, his hatred, and the audacity to disguise it with a superficial cultural narrative is staring everyone in the face.
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A deadly cocktail of administrative apathy and gross regulatory failure within the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Control Department has led to a national tragedy, with at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat dying after consuming a toxic cough syrup manufactured in a filthy, unlicensed facility in Kancheepuram that operated unchecked for 14 years.
The manufacturer, Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer, held a valid drug licence since 2011, granted by the Tamil Nadu drug control authorities. Despite mandatory annual inspections required under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, the unit was allowed to function in “patently unhygienic conditions” until the deaths of children in MP’s Chhindwara district forced an inspection, revealing a staggering 364 critical and major violations.
A Killer Syrup Concocted In Filth
The inspection, triggered only after a letter from Madhya Pradesh’s drug controller, painted a horrifying picture of the manufacturing unit. The report detailed a “shoddy and neglected state” where medicines were stored in corridors, and filling, labelling, and dedusting occurred in areas without air handling units, posing a severe risk of contamination.
Equipment was found to be rusty, cracked, and leaking. The unit lacked basic pest control measures, a purified water generation system, or proper cleaning procedures. Most critically, the company purchased a non-pharmaceutical grade of propylene glycol, a key raw material, without any invoice, bypassing the most fundamental safety protocols.
Lab tests later confirmed the Coldrif solution manufactured here contained 48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), an industrial chemical that causes acute renal failure when ingested. This toxic substance is what led to the deaths of the children.
Systemic Collapse And Unanswered Questions
The scale of the failure has exposed a complete breakdown of regulatory oversight. Former state drug controller M Bhaskaran questioned, “If they could list so many issues after a single inspection, why was the unit allowed to function?” He pointed out that the proprietor, G Ranganathan, was a known offender, booked in the late 80s for selling a syrup under the ‘food supplements’ category without a valid drug licence.
Furthermore, the national regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), had previously warned states about the improper use of propylene glycol, specifically highlighting the risk of contamination with deadly DEG. Despite these red flags, Tamil Nadu’s drug inspectors failed to act.
“The state drugs control department said there were no cases pending against him. That’s because ‘no one kept track or inspected the premises,’” Bhaskaran stated, highlighting the sheer negligence.
A Facility Of Horrors
A visit to the sealed facility on the outskirts of Chennai revealed a scene of hurried abandonment. Inside the dingy building, stacked plastic jars, stained floors, and snaking hoses were found. Windows were blocked with makeshift barriers. In the backyard, among ash and debris, lay half-burnt labels of other syrups and discarded bottles, alongside blue barrels of “Liquid Glucose.”
The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has since pasted show-cause notices on the unit’s walls, accusing the firm of grave violations and “misbranding,” as the syrup labels failed to carry a mandatory warning against use in children below four years.
National Outcry And Demands For Accountability
The tragedy has sparked national outrage. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI investigation into the deaths and a court-monitored probe into the regulatory failures that allowed the circulation of substandard drugs.
While the Madhya Pradesh government has filed a case against Sresan Pharma’s proprietor, the Tamil Nadu health department is yet to initiate action against its own drug inspectors, whose primary duty was to prevent such a disaster. Experts and the PIL have demanded the suspension of manufacturing licenses and criminal prosecution against those responsible for the loss of young lives.
This incident stands as a grim indictment of the Dravidian model government’s claims of efficient administration, revealing a deadly lapse in a department tasked with protecting public health, a failure that has exacted the ultimate price from families hundreds of miles away.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi has once again found herself at the centre of a controversy over selective outrage. The Thoothukudi MP criticised Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for addressing the All India Brahmin Conference organised by Shri Brahmin Sabha in Delhi’s Pitampura, accusing her of pandering to caste interests. In her post, Kanimozhi wrote, “Glorifying the caste system and elevating the made-up ‘greatness’ of a particular caste is the bane of this country. Even after several people are killed in the name of caste, an elected representative and a Chief Minister, speaking in praise of it, is repulsive, shameful and anti-national. This is the divide the BJP is deliberately deepening, the same oppressive structure that Periyar spent his life fighting to destroy. Recently, even the Tamil Nadu Governor asked why Tamil Nadu fights. He needs to understand that this is the battle we will never stop fighting.”
The Delhi Chief Minister, in her Pitampura address, said, “If anyone is igniting the flame of knowledge in society, it is our Brahmin community. They worship not only scriptures but also weapons. Only through weapons and scriptures can we protect society and the country today.”
“By igniting the flame of knowledge, propagating religion, and fostering a spirit of goodwill, the Brahmin community has always worked for the benefit of society. No matter which government is in power, it should work for the welfare of the Brahmin community to take them forward.”
However, Kanimozhi’s criticism rings hollow in light of her own participation in a similar caste-based conference just 18 months ago. In April 2024, she proudly shared photographs and posts about attending the Nadar Sangam conference in Tirunelveli, where she not only praised the community’s role in Tamil society but also used the platform to seek support for the I.N.D.I. alliance.
In her 2024 post, Kanimozhi described the event as an opportunity to “mobilise support for the INDI alliance“. But today, she has condemned another leader for doing exactly what she herself did — attending a community gathering and appreciating its contribution to society.
These remarks, praising a community’s traditional role in education and culture, are similar in tone and intent to Kanimozhi’s own public speeches at community events.
Kanimozhi’s selective outrage underscores the hypocrisy that defines DMK’s caste politics where identity-based mobilisation is celebrated when it benefits them politically but condemned when others do it.
In short, Kanimozhi’s criticism of the Delhi Chief Minister is not about principles. It’s about peddling hate against one particular community.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday participated in a protest organized by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Egmore, Chennai, condemning Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza. The protest, which saw significant participation from DMK alliance workers and supporters waving Palestinian flags, comes amid growing concerns over civilian casualties in the conflict.
Speaking to the media at the event, CM Stalin described the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian” crisis and called for an immediate halt to the Israeli operations. He said, “We should not see the Gaza strike by Israel as an issue between other countries. It must be seen as a humanitarian issue…All arrested must be released…I condemn the attack against the Gaza people and appeal immediately to stop the strike by Israel…The Israeli strikes against Gaza are worrisome not only to us but also globally… the striking act against the UN agreement should be stopped immediately by Israel…”
Highlighting the human cost, Stalin added, “In the past one year, Israel’s attacks on Gaza has increased. So far, about 11000 women and 17000 children, 175 journalists, 125 UN officials – more than 50,000 people have died. 26000 children have lost their parents, over 1 lakh people have been injured and hospitalised. In short, in one year the majority of Gaza’s land has been destroyed, and people are still protesting against Israel’s encroachment there. To illustrate the atrocities happening there, this past June, Israel shot down 45 hungry Palestinians who were seeking food, the heart pains seeing all of this. How can anyone not condemn the crimes against humanity, how can we be quiet? Another news came a few days ago, to provide food and medicines for the Palestinian people and food for children, caught in the brink of death, volunteers from 47 countries were prevented and arrested by Israel. Can we keep quiet when they break the international laws? Israel should immediately stop the attack. The BJP-led Union government should take steps to pressure Israel to stop the strike immediately and to bring peace in Gaza.”
Stalin further noted that a resolution condemning the Israeli attacks and calling for an immediate ceasefire will be introduced in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly session, reflecting the sentiments of the state’s people.
The Chief Minister’s direct engagement in a foreign policy matter has raised eyebrows, as India’s Constitution grants the central government exclusive authority over international relations. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had welcomed progress in peace efforts in Gaza, highlighting the release of hostages as a significant step and affirming India’s continued support for efforts toward lasting peace.
The protest in Chennai, attended by a large crowd, underscored Tamil Nadu political leaders’ vocal support for Palestine, but experts say state-level interventions in foreign policy matters can breach federal norms.
The DMK’s anti-Israel stand also exposes the hypocrisy of a party that often accuses others of mixing religion with politics. At a time when Tamil Nadu is struggling with mounting fiscal stress, industrial slowdown, farmer distress, and rising crime, the Chief Minister’s decision to prioritise street protests on foreign affairs rather than addressing urgent governance issues reflects distorted political priorities.
Critics argue that this episode once again highlights the DMK’s tendency to divert attention from its administrative failures by resorting to populist theatrics and identity-driven politics. With the state facing mounting challenges, Tamil Nadu’s citizens might well ask: Should their Chief Minister be focusing on Gaza — or on governance at home?
A detailed report submitted by the Superintendent of Police, Dakshina Kannada District, has uncovered a major racket involving individuals falsely posing as Human Rights Commission officers to interfere in matters related to the Dharmasthala temple. The investigation, forwarded to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, exposes how impostors, including a pastor John Simon from Bengaluru and a rowdy Madan Bugudi from Hubballi, misused the name of the commission to intimidate officials and spread misinformation about the revered Hindu shrine, Dharmasthala.
Complaint And False Representation
The chain of events began after the Kannada daily Kannadaprabha published a report on 26 August 2025 titled: “Rowdy sheeter among fake Human Rights Commission officers who came to the police station with Girish Mattanna.”
Acting on the report, the Human Rights Commission initiated a suo motu complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The matter was referred to the Belthangady Police for a detailed probe.
During the inquiry, officers found that when activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi visited the Belthangady Police Station accompanied by Girish Mattannavar, several others joined them. Among these individuals was Madan Bugudi, who appeared in formal attire and falsely introduced himself as an officer of the Human Rights Commission. Upon verification, police confirmed that no such position was ever held by Bugudi. Instead, he was identified as a notorious rowdy-sheeter from Hubballi, previously paraded publicly by the Hubballi Police Commissioner during a roll call of known offenders.
Pastor John Simon And The Fake Human Rights Network
Further investigation revealed the involvement of another impersonator, John Simon, who also claimed to represent the Human Rights Commission.
According to the report, Simon had been operating in Bengaluru using counterfeit human rights credentials to threaten police officers and extort money under the pretext of providing “protection.” Police discovered that Simon runs a private church in Doddaballapura, where he acts as pastor, and has registered an NGO named “Human Rights Anti-Corruption Social Justice Commission.”
Investigators found that Simon approached citizens claiming he could “help if police tortured them,” thereby creating a network of extortion and manipulation. Several public complaints have since been filed, demanding that stringent criminal action be taken against him.
The report describes John Simon as a self-styled Christian pastor who “has brazenly misused the guise of human rights to manipulate citizens and challenge governmental authority in broad daylight.” Despite operating openly under fake credentials, “it took an inordinate delay for authorities to initiate action against him.”
Shocking news
Police report reveals that Christian conversion-link behind Dharmasthala controversy.
It has come to light that John Simon from Bengaluru, who supported Girish Mattanna against Dharmasthala case, appeared under the guise of a Human Rights Commission officer. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/9QlY60lP7h
A formal complaint from Praveen K.R., son of Ram Gudigar and resident of Kattadabailu Mane, Dharmasthala village, Belthangady taluk, has now been forwarded to the Belthangady Police Inspector for further legal action.
Attempt To Defame Dharmasthala Temple
On 30 August 2025, Girish Mattannavar and Madan Bugudi visited the Belthangady Police Station again and held a media interaction, claiming to be devotees of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
The police report clarifies that their real motive was to create unrest, disrupt communal harmony, and tarnish the temple’s religious reputation. By introducing himself to reporters as a human rights officer, Bugudi misled the media and damaged the credibility of the official Human Rights Commission.
Police also noted that Girish Mattannavar and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi were in close coordination with bloggers and social media activists, including Mohd Sameer, to spread false and defamatory narratives against Dharmasthala temple authorities.
Legal Action And Registered Case
After gathering sufficient evidence, Belthangady Police registered Case No. 100/2025 under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, signaling the gravity of the offenses.
The invoked sections include Section 204 – destruction of evidence, Section 319(2) – impersonation of a public servant, Section 353(2) – obstruction of lawful duty, and Section 3(5) – aggravated misuse of authority.
These charges reflect the deliberate attempt by the accused to mislead authorities, obstruct justice, and exploit state institutions for ideological and personal motives.
A progress report has already been submitted to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, confirming that the case remains under active investigation by the Dakshina Kannada Police. Authorities have vowed to treat such fraudulent use of human rights credentials with “the utmost seriousness” and prosecute offenders under the full extent of the law.
Pastor’s Alleged Involvement And Religious Manipulation
Police findings stress that John Simon is a habitual impersonator who repeatedly interferes in official investigations while exploiting the banner of human rights for “personal and ideological gain.” His role as a Christian pastor, his fake NGO registration, and his targeting of Hindu religious institutions, particularly Dharmasthala, suggest a conversion-linked motive, according to investigators.
Authorities have recommended that strict legal and administrative measures be imposed to prevent such fraudulent human rights operatives from exploiting religious or social conflicts to weaken Hindu institutions.
The report concludes that the Dharmasthala controversy was built on a “web of deceit.” Genuine devotees including Chinniah also known as the ‘masked man’ and Sujatha Bhat were allegedly scapegoated to protect a larger propaganda network run by Girish Mattannavar, Mahesh Shetty, and their associates such as Sameer Mohammad.
This group, the report states, “attempted to spread a fabricated narrative against one of Karnataka’s most revered Hindu institutions.” Initially, even some Hindu devotees were misled by their orchestrated stories, but as evidence surfaced, it became clear that the entire episode was part of a deliberate conspiracy fueled by fake human rights activists and a pastor posing as a Human Rights Commission officer.
The findings raise troubling questions:
What connection does a Christian pastor have with temple affairs? Is there a larger conversion syndicate behind the scenes? Are external elements from Kerala playing a role in spreading this propaganda against Dharmasthala?
A day after a vehicle carrying Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader and MP Thol. Thirumavalavan was involved in a scuffle outside the Madras High Court, cadres of the party staged a road blockade in Nagore demanding Z-plus security for their leader. The protest disrupted traffic for nearly an hour on the busy Nagapattinam–Nagore National Highway.
The demonstration came in the wake of a controversial incident in Chennai on October 7, when Thirumavalavan’s car was involved in a minor collision with a two-wheeler near the Madras High Court. The situation escalated after members of the MP’s entourage allegedly attacked the motorist, who was later identified as a lawyer. Videos of the lawyer fleeing into the Tamil Nadu Bar Council building to escape the assault sparked widespread outrage across the legal community and political circles.
Following the incident, opposition leaders accused the VCK of lawlessness and double standards. BJP State President K. Annamalai condemned the assault as “hooliganism in broad daylight,” pointing out that Thirumavalavan had been returning from a protest condemning the attack on Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai at the time of the altercation.
Meanwhile, Thirumavalavan released a video statement denying that his car had hit the motorist and instead blaming the biker for deliberately obstructing his path. He admitted that “a scuffle” took place after his party cadres and escort police asked the youth to move aside but claimed that his supporters did not initiate the violence.
As the controversy deepened, VCK supporters in Nagapattinam (Nagore)staged a sudden protest on Wednesday, demanding that the state and central governments provide Thirumavalavan with Z-plus category security. The protesters raised slogans condemning both the Tamil Nadu and Union governments and accused political rivals of attempting to tarnish the MP’s image.
They raised slogans like, “We condemn the “Sanatana Sanghi Dog” who insulted our Rising Tamil” and called for protection for their leader.
நாகப்பட்டினம்: விசிக தலைவர் திருமாவளவன் கார் சென்னையில் மறிக்கப்பட்டதால், அவருக்கு Z பிளஸ் பாதுகாப்பு வழங்கக் கோரி விசிக-வினர் நாகூரில் சாலை மறியலில் ஈடுபட்டனர். நாகை-நாகூர் தேசிய நெடுஞ்சாலையில் ஒரு மணி நேரம் போக்குவரத்து பாதிக்கப்பட்டது. பாதுகாப்பு கோரி தமிழக, ஒன்றிய அரசுகளுக்கு… pic.twitter.com/hQPCs6tfnb
Police personnel were deployed to the spot to control the situation, and traffic on the highway resumed after nearly an hour of disruption. No arrests were reported at the time of filing this report.
The Chennai Police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the scuffle near the High Court or confirmed whether a formal complaint has been filed. The incident, coupled with the subsequent road blockade, has sparked fresh debate about political privilege, misuse of security cover, and the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu.
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